Purpose
“Ergonomic” is a common descriptor for a desk or computer workspace but is a term
rarely used to describe a surgical instrument. Instead, surgeons spend many hours
in inconvenient positions, often using instruments that are not ergonomic. Improving
the ergonomics of surgical instruments may decrease the required force for simple
tasks and allow for more efficient surgery.
Methods
To evaluate the impact of ergonomic surgical instruments, the authors developed ergonomic
screwdriver handles. The shape and size of these handles were engineered using previous
dental studies and 3-dimensional modeling to create an ideal handle for specific glove
sizes. Participants were recruited to test 3 different ergonomic handle sizes against
a standard screwdriver while assessing digital peak force, digital contact area, and
participant preference. Ten participants (3 women) with glove sizes ranging from 6
to 8 were evaluated.
Results
Ergonomic screwdriver handles sized for glove sizes 6 and 7 required significantly
less thumb peak force than the standard screwdriver for all participants (702 N for
glove size 6 and 567 N for glove size 7 ergonomic screwdrivers, vs 1780 N for “one
size fits all” standard screwdriver). Participants consistently preferred screwdrivers
that required lower thumb and index finger forces. All ergonomic handles required
lower thumb and index finger force. Eighty percent of participants preferred a screwdriver
modeled within 1 glove size of their own.
Conclusions
Improved ergonomic handles require less force and are preferred by surgeons.
Clinical relevance
The significant decrease in thumb peak force for glove sizes 6 and 7 suggests that
there is room for ergonomic improvement in instruments, especially for surgeons with
smaller hands. Manufacturing ergonomic screwdriver handles and using the evolving
convenience of 3-dimensional printing may help to develop a more comfortable work
environment for surgeons.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 04, 2023
Accepted:
December 14,
2022
Received:
July 25,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly to this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 2023 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.
